Q&A for How to Train a Naughty Labrador

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  • Question
    How do you stop a labrador from jumping up?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If he jumps up at you, take a step back so that he can't get his paws on you, then command him to sit, and reward the sit. If he jumps at other people, anticipate the jump. Make him "sit," and command him to "look." Then, when he is calm, have the person reward him for sitting.
  • Question
    My 9 month old Labrador is good in most respects but pulls a lot on walks. How do I stop this?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Pulling on the leash is a common problem, partly because it is "self-rewarding," meaning that the dog perceives that pulling gets him where he wants to go. To prevent this, you need to stop each time he pulls and take a step in the opposite direction. Start walking again when the leash is slack. This sends out the message that pulling gets him nowhere and it's quicker to get to the park on a loose leash.
  • Question
    How do you teach your dog to relieve himself outside the house?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    You need to prevent him from relieving himself inside and at the same time reward him when he goes potty outside. Keep the dog under close supervision inside (on a leash so you can watch him) or in a crate. Pop him outside if he starts showing signs of wanting to relieve himself. Once outside, lavish him with praise when he does perform, so that he decides to start holding on and going outdoors in order to get a treat. Also, thoroughly deodorize any places where he has relieved himself indoors so that he's not drawn back to the spot.
  • Question
    How do you stop a labrador biting other dogs?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It's important to work out what's motivating the dog to bite others. For example, is he anxious or over-excited? If he is nervous around other dogs, then work on his confidence. Recondition him to tolerate other dogs by rewarding calm behavior when he sees dogs in the distance.
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